Feed-in Tariff Scheme - Frequently Asked Questions

The Green Energy Team provide comprehensive solar PV electric panel installation and system maintenance services; being highly qualified and experienced in all areas from project concept to completion, in both domestic or commercial implementations.

The implications and impact of having Solar PV electricity generating panels are far greater than that of Solar Thermal water heating panels. Below we have tried to address some commonly asked questions :

The Feed-in Tariff Scheme - an overview

The Feed-In Tariff Scheme or Clean Energy Cashback Scheme is a financial incentive backed by the DECC (Government Department of Energy and Climate Change) and paid by your energy company to generate your own clean electricity. OFGEM (Government Office of Gas and Electricity Markets) is responsible to ensure that suppliers comply with this scheme

An average three-bedroom home might earn around £900 a year by generating its own solar electricity - and that's on top of the likely reduction of £140 from the household electricity bill.

You can earn a fixed income for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate and use in your property. And you can also earn an additional fixed income for every kilowatt hour of electricity you generate and sell back to the grid. The income is guaranteed for 25 years (for solar PV systems) and index-linked.

When you need to use electricity at night (when it is dark you won't be able to generate enough electricity from solar technology), you can still buy your electricity from your utility company, but you will need to use much less than usual.

If you want to make the most of solar technology - and to save even more on your electricity bills - try to become as energy efficient as you can; for example, run electrical appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher during the day.

Why has the Government introduced the Feed-in tariff?

The Government wants to build the market for clean energy. The Feed-in tariff is an incentive for households, businesses, local authorities, farmers and landlords to start generating their own energy, which allows them to protect themselves against future price rises of fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions and receive payment for the low-carbon energy they produce. By doing so, they are investing in a low-carbon economy for the future.

How do I apply for the Feed-in tariff?

You can apply for the Feed-in tariff from your electricity supplier from 1 April 2010 if you have installed qualifying systems after 15th July 2009 - and they were registered for the Renewables Obligation. You can also apply by installing a system after 1 April 2010.

Who pays me for the Feed-in Tariff?

The energy suppliers pay the feed-in tariffs to those who generate the clean electricity. When you apply for the feed-in tariff, you should ask your energy supplier how and when payments will be made. Payments must be made at least quarterly.

How long will the Feed-in Tariffs last?

For qualifying solar electric (Photovoltaic - PV) systems - such as those installed by The Green Energy Team - the tariff lasts for 25 years. For most other technologies, it's 20 years. The tariffs are index-linked and guaranteed.

Tariffs will be reviewed every five years - starting in 2013 - and at that stage, the amount new applicants receive and the duration of the tariff may change. It's likely to be at its highest now.

Are the Feed-in Tariff rates guaranteed for the full 25 years? Can future governments back track on them?

The Feed-in tariff is Primary Legislation, and it would be a breach of the Governments contract if it didn't last for 25 years. Payments to individuals will not change over this time - in fact they will increase with inflation.